Recreational boating is a relaxing outdoor pursuit, but boaters need to use caution when they are on the water. Boaters should drive carefully, avoid drinking and take a safety course.

Three Ways to Avoid a Boating Accident

Each summer, thousands of Americans head out to beautiful lakes and rivers across the United States for a recreational boating trip. Cruising on the water is one of the best ways to experience the great outdoors and spend quality time with your family friends, but there are a few things to consider before you slap on some sunscreen and grab your fishing pole. Boating accidents cause thousands of injuries each year so it is a good idea to practice these three safety tips. Also, if you have been hurt in a boating accident through no fault of your own, there are injury attorneys who can help.

Slow Down

The Hollywood image of gliding through the water at top speeds is a nice fantasy, but in real life, recreational boaters need to practice much more caution. Most of us know about defensive driving on the highway, but those rules also apply to steering watercraft. Always drive your boat at a reasonable speed and be aware of what is going on around you. If you are on a river, you need to watch for large commercial ships, while if you are on a recreational lake like Lake Mead or Lake Tahoe, you need to keep an eye out for swimmers and people using jet skis.

Don’t Drink

There is nothing like a cold beer on a hot day on the water, but you need to keep your drinking to a minimum if you are driving a boat. Impaired boating causes many accidents, and most states have drunken driving laws that apply to boats. Also, if you are entertaining a large party of friends for an all-day cruise, designate a driver just as you would on dry land.

Boating Safety Courses

One of the best ways to prevent boating accidents is to take a boating safety course. This course will teach you how to practice defensive driving on the water as well as valuable first aid skills.